OpenAI expands use of Apple macs for AI training

OpenAI has recently purchased thousands of Apple Mac mini and Mac Studio computers to train AI systems capable of operating computers. These devices are primarily used for reinforcement learning, where AI agents practice completing various tasks in real computer environments. The Macs purchased are equipped with large unified memory, allowing for efficient CPU and GPU access to a shared memory pool. Apple’s unified memory architecture has made these machines particularly attractive for AI training. Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted the growing demand for Macs in AI applications during a July earnings call, noting their use as platforms for running AI agents and deploying clusters for advanced models. Meanwhile, Apple’s Mac business saw record revenue of $9.4 billion in the quarter ending June, reflecting increased demand driven by AI adoption. New M6 and M5 Pro chips have been introduced in Mac mini, while Mac Studio now features M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. Anthropic, another AI company, has previously used AWS to access Mac mini compute power, underscoring the rising interest in Apple’s hardware for AI workloads.